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This thread isn't intended to provide new info; it's just a summary of what's in several threads and sites (which are referenced here). Also, to limit the scope, I haven't attempted to address non-Honda filters. Thanks to all who've done research on this, especially marcucci and Road Rage. Comments and corrections are welcome.
------------------------------------------- NOTE: On all OEM filters specified for the S2000, the mating surface has *two* metal contact rings which sandwich the rubber gasket (i.e. one inside and one outside the rubber). Most "run-of-the-mill" filters, including the PLM-A0x parts, have only one metal contact ring. The dual rings in the S2000 designs prevent the filter from backing off, *but* it's difficult or impossible to hand-tighten the filter to its spec (15-18 lb-ft or 7/8 turn). Always use a filter wrench to achieve the proper torque.
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Honda 15400-PCX-306 Recommended for the S2000? YES.
Comments: Made in Thailand by Mahle, this is the current Honda OEM filter specified for use in the S2000 only. It superseded 15400-PCX-004 (see below) in late 2020, and shares the same basic design. Notably, the PCX-306 filter marks a return to an 8-hole end plate, as with the original Toyo Roki PCX-004. Its light-blue color is also visually distinct from the PCX-004 (and, indeed, from all other OEM Honda filters).
Below: The -004 and -306 filters side-by-side, showing the lighter color and eight-hole end plate of the -306. (Note: In this photo the -306 filter might appear much larger, but it is within 1mm of the diameter of the -004, and fits within the same Honda "fluted cap"-style filter wrench.)
(photo by mgfloCR)
S2Ki member @Fokker has performed comparative measurements of the -004 and -306 filters, as well as a destructive analysis of the -306. The two filters' dimensions are within 1mm in both diameter (~80mm) and height (~81mm), and they weigh the same to within 0.1oz (~10.9oz). Regarding the -306 filter construction/quality, he assesses that "the pressure bypass valve is metal, spring-loaded, and molded into the base plate of the filter media stack. The filter media itself is decently thick and pretty strong/stiff."
(photo by Fokker)
Honda 15400-PCX-004 Recommended for the S2000? YES.
(photo by Triple-H)
Comments: Originally made in Japan by Toyo Roki Mfg., and subsequently in the U.S. by Filtech (see Note #1), this was the Honda OEM filter specified for use in the S2000 until late 2020. It superseded the U.S.-spec 15400-P0H-305 in mid-2003, and was itself superseded by the 15400-PCX-306 some 17 years later. As reviewed by Road Rage at https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/191911-, this filter has good construction and good filter media. This filter may continue to be used with confidence while supplies last.
NOTES:
1) In 2007, North American market PCX-004's began being produced in the U.S. by Filtech. Despite the move to a six-hole end plate (rather than eight as shown above), the Filtech PCX-004's are effectively identical in design and quality to the Toyo Roki PCX-004's, as documented here: https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/473347- .
2) As described here, the Toyo Roki PCX-004 filter appears to be identical to the HAMP filter (see below).
Honda 15400-P0H-305 Recommended for the S2000? YES, esp. for shorter drain intervals. Edit, Jan. 2021: New recommendation: NO. The above recommendation, from 2004, assumed like-new condition of the P0H filter. In the unlikely event that you encounter this filter (e.g. still installed in a "barn find" AP1), it should be replaced due to age.
(photo by marcucci)
Comments: Made in the U.S. by Filtech, this is the original OEM filter specified for the S2000 in the U.S. for MY00-MY03. It was superseded by the 15400-PCX-004 in late 2003. As reviewed by marcucci at ntpog.org, this filter has good construction, but the filter media is not great ("fuzziness" may be a concern for extended drain intervals). If you still have these lying around, they should be discarded due to age.
Honda 15400-PR3-014 Recommended for the S2000? YES. Edit, Jan. 2021: New recommendation: NO. The above recommendation, from 2004, assumed like-new condition of the PR3 filter. In the unlikely event that you encounter this filter (e.g. still installed in a "barn find" AP1), it should be replaced due to age.
(photo by marcucci)
Comments: Made in Japan by Toyo Roki, this is the original OEM filter specified for the S2000 in Japan for MY00-MY03. It has been superseded by the 15400-PCX-004. As reviewed by marcucci at ntpog.org, this filter has good construction and good filter media.
Honda 15400-PT7-005 Recommended for the S2000? NO.
(photo by marcucci)
Comments: Made in Canada by Fram, this is the original OEM filter specified for the S2000 (and most Honda cars) in Canada for MY00-MY03. It has been superseded by the 15400-PCX-004 for the S2000, and by the 15400-PLM-A01 for other Honda cars. As reviewed by marcucci at ntpog.org, this filter has mediocre construction and filter media, and is distinctly smaller than the U.S. and JDM filters. They were common in the U.S. as substitutes for the 15400-P0H-305 when dealer stock ran low. If you still have these lying around, toss them.
HAMP Synergy (model ??) Recommended for the S2000? YES.
(photo by Honda)
Comments: Made in Japan, marketed by Honda under the name HAMP (Honda Aftermarket Parts). Appears to be essentially identical to the 15400-PCX-004. As reviewed by marcucci at ntpog.org, this filter has good construction and good filter media.
Honda 15400-PLM-A01 Recommended for the S2000? NO.
(photo by H and A Accessories)
Comments: Made in the U.S. by Filtech, this is the current universal Honda OEM filter specified for use in most Honda cars, but NOT the S2000. It is distinctly smaller than the U.S. and JDM S2000 filters.
EDIT: This filter has been discontinued and replaced by (a new version of) the PLM-A02 below. However, as late as mid-2018, the Filtech PLM-A01 was still being used and sold by U.S. Honda dealers.
Honda 15400-PLM-A02 Recommended for the S2000? NO.
[right: photo by hondaautomotiveparts.com]
Comments: Made in the U.S. by Fram, and probably equivalent to the Fram part #7317 pictured above, this was the universal Honda OEM filter specified for use in most Honda cars until mid-2003, but NOT the S2000. It is distinctly smaller than the U.S. and JDM S2000 filters, and was widely recognized as being a generally poor-to-mediocre filter.
EDIT: Around 2008 or 2009, Honda began to specify the PLM-A02 part number for all of its cars (except the S2000). It is the same overall size as the PLM-A01 pictured above, but the filter is no longer manufactured by Fram (typically Filtech, Mahle, and/or Honeywell), and its quality is now likely equivalent or superior to that pictured above for the PLM-A01. Still not recommended for the S2000 due to its small capacity and single metal contact ring.
Last edited by twohoos; 02-03-2021 at 05:57 PM.
Reason: Updates to provide more current recommendations
Just keep in mind that the Hamp H1540-PR3-408 is no longer made. They now have a much smaller filter that didn't seem to tighten down all the way on a few of our local guys' cars.
Great thread i was confused about the oil filters until now. Everytime i went to the local Honda dealer i would get a different oil filter sold to me! Matter of fact, i have a filter #PLM A01 in the car and was told that this is the new superceded oil filter number! Bastards, now i gotta go exchange it. Thanks guys!
03-20-2004, 08:21 PM
S2000 OEM Oil Filter Summary-New 2021 version
i was confused about the oil filters until now. Everytime i went to the local Honda dealer i would get a different oil filter sold to me! Matter of fact, i have a filter #PLM A01 in the car and was told that this is the new superceded oil filter number!
Bastards, now i gotta go exchange it. Thanks guys!